Our email bulletins are a great way to keep abreast of the latest news and offers at Inntravel, and to learn more about the regions to which we offer holidays, be it gastronomic traditions or the most colourful and unusual festivals.
To get a feel for our email bulletins before subscribing, or to catch up on ones you have missed, click on the links below to read some of the most recent newsletters. Please note that, on the older ones, some of the offers and prices (where indicated) may now be out of date.
A refreshing change (May 2012)
The famous Jungfrau railway celebrates 100 years in 2012 and is still one of the greatest railway engineering feats in the world. It's one of those journeys that most people add to their lifetime 'must-do' list and, if you embark upon our thrilling Grand Tour of Switzerland, you'll get the chance to do just that. Climbing through the very heart of the Eiger, you reach an incredible viewpoint with panoramas over the Alpine peaks and glaciers. Breath-taking, in every sense of the word!
A Cotswolds Treat (May 2012)
If you love a good pudding, then there is only one place to be: the Three Ways House Hotel in the pretty village of Mickleton, home to the original Pudding Club, established in 1985 as a way of celebrating (and preventing the demise of) the traditional British Pud. You have two nights here on our new walking break, A Cotswolds Treat, and, if your stay includes a Friday night, you can choose to participate in a highly entertaining Pudding Club dinner, when seven traditional puddings are ceremoniously paraded into the dining room.
Intoxicating India (May 2012)
When it comes to our holidays to India, we’re hopelessly biased. We think they’re amazing, unique and utterly unforgettable. So, rather than try to influence you with our partisan views, why don’t you hear what our customers have to say?
Excite the senses in Las Alpujarras (April 2012)
Mairena is one of several pretty whitewashed villages scattered among the dramatic hills of Las Alpujarras, where olive and almond groves cloak the lower slopes of the mighty Sierra Nevada. We love it here because of the magnificent landscapes and also the warm welcome, allowing you to experience village life from the inside. Spend a week here and you can meet Adolfo, who makes golden olive oil. Down the lane, watch Carmen making creamy goat’s cheese, and join Juan and Nola for a glass of award-winning white wine in their bodega.
Indulge in South Tyrol (April 2012)
This beautiful northern Italian region is renowned as being a paradise for walkers, but is less well known for the divine nature of its cuisine. In fact, it’s something of a mecca for foodies, boasting Italy’s highest density of Michelin stars (twenty from seventeen restaurants) despite its diminutive size. The cuisine of South Tyrol combines both Alpine and Mediterranean influences and perfectly matches the uniqueness of the Dolomites’ dramatic landscapes.
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Dive in! (April 2012)
OK, so it’s not quite up there with winning the lottery or meeting a newly born member of the family for the first time, but we can think of few better experiences than jumping into an inviting swimming pool at the end of a rewarding day’s walking or cycling. Many of the hotels on Inntravel holidays enable you to do just that, and as the weather here in Yorkshire seems to have reverted to its capricious ways (has summer been and gone already?), we’re dreaming of warm, sunny days along Europe’s paths and trails.
Easier than ever (April 2012)
With airlines opening up new routes across Europe from regional airports here in the UK, it's getting easier to reach more destinations from nearer to where you live. A case in point is Turkish Airlines who are now flying to the mesmerising city of Istanbul from Edinburgh. If you live in the north, you can now access our two walking holidays in Turkey without having to travel south or to London first. Discover the Two Faces of Cappadocia and The Lycian Way from an airport near you.
Go for a walk! (March 2012)
The arrival of spring, and the long Easter weekend in particular, gives us the perfect opportunity to get out there and enjoy The Great Outdoors. Our countryside is bursting into life all around us, so what could be better than a day or two in the hills to blast away the cobwebs? To help you do just that, we’ve teamed up with Walkingworld, a fantastic online resource offering over 5,500 British walks, each with easy-to-follow, step-by-step notes and an Ordnance Survey map – plus downloadable GPS files, for those who use such things.
Walk, cook and eat! (March 2012)
If, like us, you enjoy la cucina Italiana, and you relish the great outdoors (with a challenging walk or two thrown in), then we can think of nowhere better to go on holiday than the ‘secret’ Apennine mountains of northern Italy… Walk in the little-known Corno alle Scale Regional Park, and you’ll discover traditional villages clustering beneath dramatic peaks, from where inviting paths lead through majestic woodland of beech, oak and chestnut, rich in wildlife. And at the end of each walk? A delightful hotel, charming hosts and wonderful Italian food.
Identity crisis? (March 2012)
The highly distinctive French region of Alsace, on the Franco-German border and occupying its own sunny micro-climate between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine, is an area which might be said to have something of an identity crisis… Having changed hands many times over the centuries and having spent as much time controlled by Germany as France, it has taken on a decidedly Germanic hue. And this fascinating blend (or confusion?) of cultures continues with the food.
Highlights of spring (March 2012)
We adore spring. All over Europe the dormant countryside reawakens; meadows and hedgerows burst with life, orchards blossom, vineyards start to promise and people celebrate with colourful festivals. If you love daffodils, the emblem of spring, head to the valleys of Salzkammergut, in the Austrian Alps. The people of Bad Aussee organise the country’s biggest flower parade, culminating with spectacular carnival displays on land and water – floats that really float!
Spotlight on Portugal (February 2012)
We’ve always enthused about Portugal – we love its timeless landscapes, friendly people and delicious food – and so we’re delighted to introduce James Keane, Inntravel’s new regional expert, who is passionate about this gloriously laid-back country and who is now intent on discovering more hidden corners to explore. Now that he’s got to grips with how we do things here, James is about to travel to the Douro on our fabulous Valley of Gold walking holiday.
Walking and wild flowers (February 2012)
There’s nothing quite like spring, when fresh green leaves rejuvenate the hedgerows and delicate flowers carpet the meadows. It is in the warmer Mediterranean regions, of course, that the flowers first begin to bloom, and we’re delighted to introduce The Flowers of Alicante, a 4-night break based in the picturesque hamlet of Quatretondeta. Explore the mountains and valleys of this gloriously unspoiled corner of Spain on a number of guided walks, as you discover some of the most varied flora to be found anywhere in Europe.
French panache (February 2012)
Raymond Blanc, Britain’s most famous French chef, is making a welcome return to our TV screens as “The Very Hungry Frenchman” – a timely reminder of all that is great about regional cooking on the far side of the Channel. The first episode saw him back in Franche-Comté in eastern France, his home province and the starting-point for our inn-to-inn walking holiday amid the Jura Alps. As he puttered around the land of his childhood in a lilac Citroen 2CV, he brought the flavours wonderfully alive…
Be inspired by Tuscany (January 2012)
A couple of weeks ago we caught “Under the Tuscan Sun” on TV, a film based on Frances Mayes’ celebrated book of the same name, in which she reminisces about her life in Tuscany (and provides excellent regional recipes, too!). Although perhaps a little whimsical for some, the film was gorgeously shot and a vivid reminder as to why we love returning to this captivating Italian region time after time. It is little wonder, too, that Tuscany frequently appears in many of our ‘Top Ten’ features found on the Inspiration section of our website.
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Enjoy a natural high (January 2012)
With Inntravel, you don’t ‘do’ Canada. Not for us are the whistle-stop tours from coast to coast, or thousand-mile train journeys taking in one province after another. We prefer to concentrate on our own favourite regions, linger longer and see them up close… So, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Destination Québec and Nova Scotia Tourism to bring you our Top Ten inspirational ways of enjoying these two magnificent provinces.
See more. Discover more. Remember more. (December 2011)
We have just put the finishing touches to our 2012 Holiday Collection. Perhaps we can tempt you with a springtime cycling holiday through the mystical landscapes of Umbria, or a step into the surreal and spellbinding world of Iceland this summer? Alternatively, escape to your own rural hideaway for a week, maybe choosing to explore the little-known Val di Merse from our Tuscan Hideaway Apartments? These Slow Holidays are all about discovery. They’re not flopping out for a fortnight by a pool – they’re spontaneous and exciting.
The Inntravel ‘family get-together’ (December 2011)
As we look forward to the festive season and all the excitement it has in store, we’re still buzzing with memories of our sixth Inntravel Discovery Day, held just a couple of weeks ago at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey. This event sees our hoteliers flying in from the far-flung corners of Europe and beyond, so it feels more like a giant Inntravel ‘family get-together’, as we excitedly discuss our favourite holiday destinations. We’ve posted some of the main highlights on our website, so do take a look.
It’s snowtime! (December 2011)
Winter has well and truly found its way to the Alps and Scandinavia. Staff at our ski hire shop in Leukerbad proclaimed: “We got about 70cm snow during the last few days, so the winter season can really start.” Meanwhile, Daniela at the Inntaler Hof in the Tyrol reported almost one metre of snowfall in less than 24 hours. So now is very much the time to start planning your winter holiday! We offer adventures in Lapland, downhill skiing on some of Europe’s least crowded slopes, or – if it’s cross-country skiing you’re after – then Norway comes into its own.
Follow the fishermen’s trail (November 2011)
When we heard that much of our Along the Costa Vicentina route was to be included in a newly designated long-distance footpath, it confirmed what we already knew – this region is truly special. The ‘Fishermen’s Trail’, as it will be called, will form the coastal part of the Rota Vicentina, a path meandering through the most beautiful scenery of far south-western Portugal. Our walking holiday here takes in the best – and the wildest – aspects of the area’s dramatic coastline, as well as whitewashed villages where you stay at infinitely charming, rural hotels.
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Timeless corners (November 2011)
We’ve just put the finishing touches to our collection of Villas, Cottages and More for 2012 on our website. There’s no set itinerary on these ‘Wonderfully Slow’ holidays, so you can be as active or relaxed as you wish. Follow our leisurely walking or cycling routes into the surrounding countryside or visit local villages, markets and historical sites using your included hire car or public transport. Cook for yourselves in the evenings, take your pick from our recommended restaurants – or do a bit of both!
Slow rhythms of the south (October 2011)
After another summer of unpredictable weather here in the UK, we particularly enjoyed last week’s unusually warm spell. For us, it brought on a longing for leisurely walks in the sunshine, lazy picnics beneath shady trees and pauses at wayside cafés. But it’s such a long time until next summer – do we really have to wait so long to experience all of this again? The answer, of course, is a resounding ‘no’! We have a fabulous choice of holidays for this autumn, winter and spring amid the warmth of the Mediterranean.
The white stuff (October 2011)
Although our brochure was printed over two months ago, it’s really only now that we’ve started thinking about our holidays in the snow. True, we’re having a brief ‘Indian Summer’, but it’s already pretty chilly across Europe’s mountains and there has been over a foot of snow in the Italian Alps! Here at Inntravel, we blissfully ignore the mainstream ski resorts and focus, instead, on the quiet side of the mountain. Here is where you find authentic villages in beautiful scenery away from the crowds; and where you stay in high quality, family-run hotels.
Let the Indian adventure continue... (September 2011)
High overhead, plum-headed parakeets and brightly coloured bee-eaters dart through the lush foliage, announcing the passage of an ornately carved wooden boat as it languidly edges its way along a narrow backwater towards a remote village. This is life on the timeless backwaters of Kerala, an easy-going and famously hospitable region of south-west India, where traditional kettuvallams (houseboats) still ply a labyrinthine network of rivers, canals and lagoons, which in turn provide something of a lifeline to remote riverside communities.
Something special in the air (September 2011)
A short hop over the Channel and you could be relaxing – and indulging – at one of our hand-picked country hotels on a truly special getaway break in northern France. Sitting amid delightfully undulating countryside in the secret corners of Normandy and Picardy, these places occupy lovely spots, hidden away in a sleepy hamlet of half-timbered buildings, perhaps, or overlooking a colourful and picturesque harbour. There is marked emphasis on high-quality food and wine, and we include a bottle of champagne for every booking.
Look forward to a festive break (September 2011)
As the British summer seamlessly merges into autumn, we suddenly notice that the trees are beginning to turn, the winds are getting stronger and the evenings darker. Chillier nights are on their way and thoughts begin to turn to winter and the festive season. In fact, if you cannot afford the time to go walking in warmer climes this autumn, what better way to survive the gloom than by planning a fantastic festive break in southern Europe, or beyond, this New Year.
Camper vans & volcanoes (August 2011)
David Lanfear – our man-on-the-ground in Spain and writer for many of our walking routes – and his partner Linda, herself an accomplished travel photographer whose work adorns many an Inntravel brochure, have just left their home in sleepy Benaocaz, Andalucia. Knowing David and Linda, this tale of two intrepid Inntravellers, one camper van, many nations and thousands of kilometres is bound to be an entertaining one. Their route is yet to be decided, having told us that they’re ‘open to suggestions’, but you can follow their progress on our blog.
A man on a mission (July 2011)
There can be few more spectacular holidays than our Grand Tour of Switzerland by rail! Iconic peaks such as the Eiger and the unmistakable Matterhorn jostle for your open-mouthed attention while the journeys themselves are a hugely memorable aspect of this trip. Currently enjoying it to the full is Richard Hammond – no, not the ‘hamster’ from Top Gear, but one of the UK’s foremost experts on sustainable travel and founder of the greentraveller website.
Dreaming of the snow? (July 2011)
You might wonder why we’re thinking about snow at this time of year? Quite simply, we want to let you know about our new Skiing and Much More brochure, full of magical holidays on the quiet side of the mountain and now available for you to order online. What characterises all of these holidays is the warm welcome you receive at our carefully chosen hotels; a high standard of food and hospitality; enviable locations offering fabulous views away from the crowds; and a wide range of activities on offer – so you can enjoy the snow just as you wish.
Lanzarote - a land forged by fire... (July 2011)
Last winter, while curled in front of the fire watching TV, Alison García Hall (our expert on all things Spanish) became intrigued by the wildly epic scenery of the film, Broken Embraces, starring Penelope Cruz. Delving deeper, she discovered it was filmed on the island of Lanzarote and an idea began to form in her mind. Six months later, and that idea has now become our new walking holiday in the Canary Islands. Follow in our footsteps and you, too, can discover the lesser-known side of this surprising island, now in our winter walking programme...
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Quebec, where the ‘great outdoors’ is right next door (June 2011)
The fascinating Canadian province of Québec is justly famed for its iconic namesake city, where you can experience an exciting blend of rich history and heritage, animated street culture, fine dining – and tantalising flavours of its very distinctive European roots. And surprisingly close by is a very different Québec altogether. Here you will encounter truly hospitable people who are justifiably proud of their homeland – and of the magnificent creatures with whom they share such monumental landscapes.
Pathways to treasure (June 2011)
Possibly one of the most appealing aspects of a holiday abroad is treading along ancient tracks and exploring the rich history of an unfamiliar landscape. In faraway places our senses are sharpened and we pick up on the remnants of old cultures and practices. Back on home turf it’s easy to forget that our own past is just as intriguing and that our network of paths, tracks and ways has an extraordinary story to tell. Now Walkingworld founders, Nicholas Rudd-Jones and David Stewart, have written a book exploring the hidden history of our paths.
Ease into Switzerland by rail (June 2011)
When it comes to natural beauty, few places in the world can match Switzerland. The awe-inspiring majesty of the snow-capped Alps provides a vivid contrast to the lush green valleys far below, where chocolate-box villages, flower-strewn meadows and clanging cowbells complete an idyllic – and, at times, scarcely believable – picture. And what better way to arrive at such a place than by rail? The Swiss are renowned for their efficiency and superb public transport network.
Why not take the slow road? (June 2011)
"Having grown up and lived on a farm for 24 years and now working in Central London, it felt like a real luxury to walk in woodlands, by rivers, olive groves and mountain areas. My personal highlight was listening to the birds and crickets; smelling wild lavender, rosemary and lilac; listening to the rush of water and just taking in the peacefulness and beautiful scenery – by Monday we had forgotten that polluted cities even existed!"
Walking the Wicklow Way (May 2011)
Our new holidays take months of planning – even years in some cases! – so it’s always with a sense of keen anticipation that we await feedback from our first customers. Well, they have now returned from The Wicklow Way Highlights in Ireland and we’re happy to report that they loved it just as much as we hoped they would: "It was a really good break with friendly, helpful hosts; some tough walking – but only in short bursts – and very good restaurants wherever we stopped."
A step in the right direction (May 2011)
There’s no doubt that we’ve been experiencing some exceptional walking weather throughout most of the UK. So, what better time to get out into the fabulous English countryside to enjoy a short break, maybe in preparation for one of our longer walking holidays over the summer or in the autumn? We have five 4-night short walking breaks in the UK for you to choose from, each exploring a different area.
A haven of peace on Crete (May 2011)
Traditions and History of Crete is a single-centre walking holiday combining fabulous scenery with a delightful hotel that exudes a real sense of peace and serenity. From your idyllic base, our detailed route notes enable you to explore the surrounding countryside on foot, and your included hire car means you can potter about to your hearts’ content, perhaps heading to the coastal town of Chania with its Venetian harbour, old port and waterfront restaurants.
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A burst of Catalan colour (May 2011)
Our gentle route Along the Catalan Coast is perhaps the most leisurely of walking holidays, showcasing the quiet side of the Costa Brava and featuring a succession of peaceful coves and pristine sandy beaches. Enjoy high-quality, family-run hotels and a deliciously slow pace of life as you take time to relax by the sea or to linger over lunch at an authentic fish restaurant.
‘Hidden’ Austria (April 2011)
Throughout the summer months, genial Ander Schießling proudly shows visitors around the Vorder-Unterberg farm museum in peaceful Alpbachtal. This ornate farmhouse was built in the 17th century and contains the valley’s only remaining traditional four-poster bed. Ander’s enthusiasm and knowledge come from the fact that he was born in this house, living and working here until it became a museum in the 1970s. Gain more insights from Ander while exploring the area from our Tyrolean Farmhouse Apartments.
Your holiday, your way (April 2011)
How do you want to spend your holiday this year? If you want to explore at leisure before returning to a quiet and comfortable retreat each evening, then let us inspire you with some of our favourite cottages and apartments in Europe’s most alluring corners. As Britain’s leading specialist in self-guided walking and cycling holidays, we include carefully researched route notes for the vast majority of our properties, plus detailed information about the area you are visiting, with suggestions as to what to see and where to explore.
A fusion of Italian flair and Alpine charm (March 2011)
Where else could we be talking about but the magnificent South Tyrol? This is a region you might assume to be Austrian (it was until 1919) although it is most definitely a part of northern Italy. Many of the people here speak German, yet the delicious cuisine and rich heritage both have distinctly Italian and Austrian influences – moulding the best of both cultures into one unique identity. But it’s not just the culture that fuses Italian flair with Austrian charm – the landscapes too are a wondrous mix of Mediterranean warmth and Alpine clarity.
So far, and yet so near (March 2011)
Many of our holidays on foot or by bike are remarkably easy to get to. Fly to Tours in France, for example, and an hour later you could be gazing at the magnificent château of Azay-le-Rideau in the Loire Valley; the start of our leisurely discovery by bike of some of the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire. You could even make the relaxed journey by train all the way from the UK, arriving at a very civilised four o’clock in the afternoon.
Savour the moment (March 2011)
"The menu was written in an old-fashioned school exercise book, and the bare wooden tables lay scattered beneath a gnarled olive tree. We ordered ’local fish‘ and sipped retsina – a taste I’d worked hard to acquire! – until the smiling proprietor returned bearing a large plate laden with juicy tomatoes, cucumber, onions, salty feta cheese and shining Kalamata olives, all drizzled with home-made olive oil. And then came two plates of grilled whole sardines – no sauce, no garnish – and it was exquisite..."
Journeys for inquisitive travellers (February 2011)
Thrilling voyages deep within the Arctic Circle, remarkable rail journeys negotiating high Alpine passes and steep-sided valleys, spectacular drives amidst the islands of the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia or along the renowned Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia... travelling itself can provide memories that last a lifetime. However, an Inntravel journey reveals so much more of the landscapes, culture and heritage of some of our favourite places. Did you know that we now feature nearly 30 such holidays by train, boat or car?
Put a spring in your step (February 2011)
It seems like it has been such a long old winter and it keeps rumbling on with cold, wet days. So, with summer still seemingly far away, why not take a break this spring to enjoy something new and different, and to recharge the batteries? As with our longer holidays, you’ll find that the pace of life on our short breaks is refreshingly slow in all the easy-to-reach regions we feature, and we carefully plan your stay so you can ease into the rhythms of local life as soon as you arrive.
Where wheels turn slowly (February 2011)
I’ve been meaning to get my bike out for a while now, but I never quite seem to get round to it. I always find reasons to put it off and yet, before I know it, another month, another year even, has gone by. Maybe the answer is a cycling holiday – nothing too hard core, just a leisurely week on which I have plenty of time to explore at my own pace and where my luggage is taken to the next hotel for me so I can travel light.
Inspire your family this summer (February 2011)
Whichever region you choose for your family holiday, our activity holidays for independently minded families are the perfect antidote to busy modern life, allowing you to share activities, culture and new experiences together, and, above all, have fun, while ‘doing your own thing’. With no timetable to stick to, you can relax into the slower rhythms of local life, focusing on the things that interest your family.
Can we tempt you out into the snow? (January 2011)
Why endure the wintry conditions at home when there's still time to actually enjoy the snow this winter?
At last, it’s been snowing quite heavily across the Alps and Scandinavia, with conditions reported to be ‘good and improving’. With so much new snow to enjoy – and the promise of much more on the way – we’re pleased to be able to offer a number of savings at some of our favourite hotels.
Where are you walking this summer? (January 2011)
Many of you have already told us where you’ll be going this year and your choice of destinations is as wide-ranging as ever. Creating the most interest is southern Turkey and our walk along The Lycian Way, which follows the Mediterranean coast, encountering ancient cultures, dramatic landscapes and incredibly hospitable people. The fact that both our holidays to Turkey (new last year) are proving very popular with you is extremely gratifying.
The essence of an Inntravel holiday (January 2011)
The essence of an Inntravel holiday is something that our customers understand and appreciate but is something that is hard for us to communicate to people who are not yet familiar with Inntravel. That is why we were particularly intrigued when we were introduced to Douglas Gayeton’s beautiful book ‘Slow: Life in a Tuscan Town’. In his book Gayeton not only perfectly captures the life of local people but also the essence of the Slow Food movement in Italy.
A Slower way to holiday (January 2011)
A Slow holiday is all about discovering the lesser-taken path and enjoying a truly individual experience at your own pace. Our carefully crafted self-guided holidays ease you into the rhythm and patterns of everyday life as you journey through wonderful landscapes, uncover hidden corners and share authentic encounters with local people along the way. They give you time to relish delicious regional cuisine and relax in family-run hotels and character inns, where you will receive the warmest of welcomes.